Investors have been pouring money into Japanese stocks. Last week, the Nikkei rose above 15,000. It surpassed the Dow in absolute terms for the first time in three years, according to Bill Stone, chief investment officer at PNC Wealth Management.

Gold and silver prices recovered from earlier losses, but both have been under pressure recently.

European markets ended higher, with the DAX leading the gains, although trading was light due to a national holiday in Germany. Meanwhile Asian markets ended with significant gains. Japan's Nikkei jumped 1.5%.